noose

American  

[noos] / nus /

noun

1. a loop with a running knot, as in a snare, lasso, or hangman's halter, that tightens as the rope is pulled.

2. a tie or bond; snare.

---

verb (used with object)

noosed, noosing

1. to secure by or as by a noose.

2. to make a noose with or in (a rope or the like).

noose British  

/ nuːs /

noun

1. a loop in the end of a rope or cord, such as a lasso, snare, or hangman's halter, usually tied with a slipknot

2. something that restrains, binds, or traps

3. to bring about one's own downfall

---

verb

1. to secure or catch in or as if in a noose

2. to make a noose of or in

Other Word Forms

• nooser
  noun
• unnoosed
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of noose

1400–50; late Middle English nose < ?

Example Sentences

“I fail to see how one headline on the issue, ‘The Noose Tightens,’ reflects legitimate scrutiny of public officials,” Mr. Zahawi wrote.

From New York Times • Jan. 29, 2023

Kidderminster began their FA Cup campaign in September, in front of 687 people at Noose Park - home of Sporting Khalsa of the Northern Premier League, Midlands Division.

From BBC • Feb. 3, 2022

But the judge in the case, with the Dickensian name of Omar Noose, all but orders him to go ahead.

From New York Times • Oct. 13, 2020

Skerritt, making his Broadway debut in the play with a cast of 14, portrays a disbarred attorney who helps the defense team, and Thompson plays Judge Omar "Ichabod" Noose.

From Reuters • Sep. 16, 2013

"Reven Noose Muttons," as our skoolmaster, who has got Talent into him, cussycally obsarve.

From The Complete Works of Artemus Ward — Part 1: Essays, Sketches, and Letters by Ward, Artemus